A clear place to start
Who can join Troop 1513?
- Age and grade
- Most Scouts join from age 11 through 17. A 10-year-old may qualify after earning the Arrow of Light Award, or after March 1 while in fifth grade.
- Troop structure
- Troop 1513 is a boys’ Scouts BSA troop serving the Clear Lake area.
- Previous experience
- No previous Cub Scout, Scouting, camping, or outdoor experience is required.
- When to begin
- Contact the troop at any time. A volunteer will confirm eligibility, current space, and the best Monday to visit.
Not sure whether your child qualifies? Email Troop 1513 and we will help you sort it out.
For parents and guardians
A place to grow—with caring adults nearby
Scouting gives young people room to try, lead, make mistakes, and try again. Troop 1513 provides the structure, encouragement, and safety practices that help that growth happen.
You do not need to understand Scouting before you visit. Come as you are, bring your questions, and see whether the troop feels right for your family.
What families can expect
01
A steady weekly rhythm
The troop meets Mondays, 7:00–8:30 p.m.. Campouts are targeted at least every other month; service projects and special activities are shared ahead of time so families can plan.
02
Growing independence
Scouts take on real responsibilities appropriate to their experience. Adults coach and protect; young people practice leading, planning, and helping one another.
03
Family partnership
Parents stay informed and are welcome to participate. No family is expected to know everything or do everything on day one.
A supported first year
We help new Scouts get started
Every Scout joining Troop 1513 for the first time qualifies for a Scout handbook, Class B troop shirt, and first-year troop dues. Transfer Scouts receive the included items and benefits they do not already have. Class A uniform details are still being finalized.
Earn the next adventure
Flag-route fundraising is optional. Scouts who choose to serve or help with a neighborhood route can use their earnings toward summer camp, with balances and approved reimbursements tracked transparently in Campfire.
See where every dollar goes
Families use the Campfire app to see their Scout’s fundraising balance and track available funds. The troop also uses Campfire to handle reimbursements for approved Scout purchases, keeping costs visible and organized.
The practical questions
Time, participation, and equipment
Time commitment
Regular meetings help Scouts feel connected, while trips and activities add the hands-on experiences that make the program meaningful. Families choose events with their schedules in mind.
Parent participation
All we ask is that you support your Scout. Parents and guardians are warmly invited to help through the troop committee or other volunteer roles, but committee service is not required.
Costs after the first year
Families pay Scouting registration and summer camp. Troop 1513 covers regular troop campouts throughout the year and provides the equipment needed for them.
Gear
You do not need to buy a closet full of equipment to begin. Ask us what can be borrowed and what is genuinely useful before purchasing outdoor gear.
Safety and belonging
Questions are always welcome
Trained adult volunteers follow Scouting America youth-protection and activity-safety policies. We want parents and Scouts to understand how activities are supervised, how concerns are handled, and who to contact.
Tell us about accessibility needs or accommodations that would help your family participate. Please share sensitive medical information only through the troop’s approved private process—not through the public website.
- Trained supervisionAdults work within established youth-protection practices.
- Clear communicationSchedules and essential activity details are shared with families.
- Respectful participationEvery Scout deserves to be welcomed, heard, and treated with dignity.
- A path for questionsParents can speak with troop leaders before joining or attending an activity.
Frequently asked questions
What does the troop cover for a new Scout?
Our first-year Scout plan covers the Scout handbook, uniform, and first-year troop dues. A troop volunteer can explain exactly what is included before you join.
Does my child need previous Scouting experience?
No. New Scouts can learn at their own pace with support from other Scouts and adult volunteers.
Do we need a uniform before visiting?
No. Comfortable everyday clothing is perfect for a visit. If your family decides to join, the first-year plan includes a uniform.
Can parents stay for a meeting?
Yes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to observe a meeting, meet the adults, and ask questions.
What if our family cannot attend every activity?
We understand that families balance school, work, faith, sports, and other commitments. Talk with us about what sustainable participation could look like.
The best next step
Visit together. Decide together.
A regular meeting is the easiest way for both you and your prospective Scout to get a feel for Troop 1513.